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Barnstaple Heritage Centre
Barnstaple Heritage Centre
Want an exciting adventure? Want to travel through time? Then visit Barnstaple Heritage Centre! There are lots of things to see and do for all the family, from quizzes and games, brass-rubbing and children's costumes, in our fantastic new hands-on exhibition which takes you on a "Journey Through Time". The Centre has seen major changes recently with the refurbishment of the display areas, installation of a state-of- the-art computer and lighting system and a bigger and brighter gift shop. On your Journey Through Time, you can experience Saxon Life in Barnstaple, find out what was on offer in the Medieval Market, listen to merchants trading at the Tome Stone, and make sure the enemy does not surround you as the Civil War reaches town! Escape the battles to reach the genteel 18th Century, and tread the boards with John Gay's Beggar's Opera. And when you have found all the missing mice, follow the Heritage Trail, through the Floral Arch to our delightful Gift Shop.
The Heritage Centre is open all year round, so step inside, and begin your "Journey Through Time".
"Centre Short-listed for Museums and Heritage awards for Excellence 2007" What do Tate Modern, Kew Palace, the V & A Museum and Barnstaple Heritage Centre have in common? Not a lot, you might think, but, according to the national Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence, they share one common factor - they are all excellent. Out of hundreds of entrants spanning the entire industry from small to large attractions, Barnstaple Heritage Centre was shortlisted to the final six in their category. Heritage Centre Chairman, Cllr Catherine Upcott, and designer and creator of the Heritage Centre exhibition, Julie Parker, travelled to London to represent the town at the Awards Ceremony. Anna Preedy, Director of the Museums & Heritage Show and founder of the awards, said "The evening was a huge success. Over 200 industry professional from all over the world joined us to celebrate the achievements of the UK's museums, galleries and heritage visitor attractions. We have once again been overwhelmed by both the number and quality of entries. The Awards provide a great occasion to shout about some of the spectacular projects that are taking place in the UK's cultural attractions today." Bernard Donoghue, Head of Government and Public Affairs at VisitBritain, congratulated all the finalists, including Barnstaple Heritage Centre, on being the "best of the best". He emphasised the role played by local government, and in particular town and parish councils, in supporting and providing a great percentage of the museum and heritage attractions. He said that town and parish councils, such as Barnstaple Town Council, were "the DNA of this country". The Council's Creative Manager Julie Parker said "It was a privilege to represent the Town Council at such a prestigious event. We were extremely proud to see our work alongside the most well known attractions in the country such as Tate Modern, the V & A Museum, Kew Palace and The Walker Art Gallery. It's a wonderful achievement and credit to all the volunteers who gave their time to build our displays to such an excellent standard on a very limited budget"
Opening Times: Summer (April - October) Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Winter (November - March) Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 4.30 pm. Saturday 10am - 3.30 pm.
Admission: Adults £3.50 Concessions £2.50 Children £2.00 Under 7s free Family Ticket £10.00 Group rates available.
Private evening opening available for groups of 15 or over. For all bookings and information telephone 01271 373003. e.mail Denise.Teague@barnstapletowncouncil.co.uk
Excerpts from the Visitors Book 2007/8
W. Murfitt Jones, Notts | This is a wonderful achievement and an interesting place to visit. I love the way the activities have been set out for the visitors, i.e. Brass rubbing, and earphones. The information was informative and interesting. Value for money. Well done
| Pilton Community College | As usual a brilliant time was had by all. The Centre is an excellent resource. Very good.
| Kingsacre School | A very well presented exhibition. Thank you
| K. Palmer | Second visit, gets better each time. Something that Barnstaple should be proud of.
| M. Short, Canada | I'm so glad I popped in - a wonderful experience.
| Mr & Mrs Laney, Barnstaple | In the 20 years I've lived in Barnstaple it is our first visit to the Heritage Centre, and it certainly will not be our last!
| F. Fontana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. | Lovely exhibition, I got lost in time learning about Barnstaple history... I loved it!
| Mr & Mrs Haddock, Southport | Great fun, lots to look at and explore, thoroughly enjoyed our step back in time.
| C. Armfield, Hampton | A credit to those who designed it, those who built it and those who run it.
| Stevens Family, Dunfermline
| One of the best on this Island.
| K. Behan | A massive plus for the Town!
| Simon Still. Chelmsford. | Loved the exhibition. One of the best things we've seen so far.
| Mr Priest. Lancs. | A really 5 star presentation, congratulations.
| J. Stevenson, Bristol | Old Barnstaple comes to life! Thank you.
| M. Hardy, Leicester | A wonderful display, taking you back in time with authenticity and imagination.
| R. Blasell | Very impressed, Beautifully displayed and packed with information
| N. Macklin, Brighton | Congratulations to all concerned an excellent museum and visit. A credit to Barnstaple.
| Mr & Mrs Harris, Victoria, Australia. | A very interesting and informative display. The activities make this appropriate for all ages.
| E. Barr, Sussex | Thoroughly enjoyable & educational
| Mr & Mrs Woodford, Christchurch | Very Good, We enjoyed every minute!
| Gail Bradley | An excellent display, interesting and informative and great value for money!
| P. Asmouth Hants | A great museum - great fun for the children.
| M Bird, Australia | Excellent presentation of a fascinating town.
| Mr and Mrs Newton | Absolutely wonderful!
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